Harold George "Happy" Lester

 

 

Jan 17, 1898

Born in Ottawa, Ontario to William H. and Elizabeth Ann (nee Banks) Lester

 

Nov 9, 1914

Attested into the 21st Battalion in Kingston, Ontario 

Ø      Number 59584 (temporary number 888)

Ø      Next of kin given as Annie Lester, mother, 24-4th Ave., Ottawa, Ontario

Ø      Previous occupation given as Mechanic

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Congregationalist

Ø      Assigned to “H” Company

o       This was later reorganized into “D” Company 

He lied about his age, stating that he had been born in 1896, not his actual birth year of 1898.  He was only 16 years of age on enlistment 

The battalion trained in the Kingston area through the winter with headquarters in the Kingston Armouries

 

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama in Montreal, Quebec

 

May 15, 1915

Disembarked in Devonport, England and the battalion proceeded to the West Sandling Camp, near Hythe, Kent to continue training

 

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

 

Sep 15, 1915

Disembarked in Boulogne, France and the battalion proceeded to St. Omer

 

Mar 14, 1916

While the battalion was in billets in La Clytte, Belgium they supplied work parties to build up front line trenches.  Private Lester was shot in the side of his neck on such a work party and he died before he could taken to the aid station.  He was buried the following day in the Ridgewood Cemetery, Voormezeele, Belgium

Following the war the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and Memorial Cross were sent to his mother, Mrs. Annie Lester, 26-4th Ave., Ottawa, Ontario 

The Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny) and Scroll were sent to his father, William H. Lester, at the same address

 


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